Advent Joy

Introduction

Ebeneezer Scrooge - people who don’t decorate.

Scrooge, from the Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol. A story written to remind his reader not to miss out on the joy of Christmas.

Our expectation is that for a time of the year for us to shut out some of the negativity and have it replaced by peace.

Christmastime is supposed to feel different than the rest of the year. Because Jesus Christ has been born!

For the prophet Zephaniah, he expected a reason for joy. He had faith that God would change their circumstances. The same faith that you and I can have.

Rejoice! Immanuel Saves

vv. 14-17

V. 14 - Sudden transition from the rest of the book.

V. 15a - Judges cycle

God disciplines because He loves.

V. 15b - Immanuel

Isaiah 7:14 ESV

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:23 ESV

23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Vv. 16-17 - As a parent sits with a newborn baby, so God sits and loves you.

Knowing what that child will cost Him.

Jesus paid for your blessing.

Rejoice! Immanuel Accepts

vv. 18-20

Not only has God brought about salvation, but He gives you acceptance.

V. 18 - what the festivals have become.

V. 19 - Internal and External oppressions.

V. 20 - The final step of belonging.

“You belong here.”

God celebrates your acceptance.

Not just salvation and then “good luck,” but direction.

Conclusion

Ever stare at a bright light and then try to look at something else?

We spend so much time staring at the darkness and hate that even when we look at love and hope and peace and joy, we can’t really see it. It takes a bit of time for our sight to recover.

This is what Advent is for. Take your eyes off the stuff of the world, and let’s

Remember the Joy that Jesus brings.